Automated fluid dispensing system

ABSTRACT

A system and method for automated dispensing of a fluid. The system and method includes accounting for ambient light proximate a dispensing location and generating a reference voltage in response to the ambient light. A second voltage is generating in response to a reflected signal from the location. Dispensing occurs if the difference between the reference voltage and the second voltage is greater than a predetermined amount.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/549,151 filed on Oct. 19, 2011, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automated battery operated liquid soap dispensing systems typically include a dispensing spout having a dispensing opening for dispensing liquid soap or foam (collectively or individually “liquid soap”), which is stored in a reservoir remote from the spout. The liquid soap is pumped to the spout using a pump. Infrared sensing technology using an infrared sensor is typically used to sense a user's hand beneath the dispensing opening of the spout for activating the pump for pumping the liquid soap. Infrared sensors are sensitive to ambient light and in addition require relatively high current to operate. The high sensitivity infrared sensor generates a single pulse via a high powered source such as high output Infra-Red Diode. If a user's hand is beneath the spout, the pulse generated by the source is reflected back by the user's hand to a photo detector. Depending on the strength of the reflected pulse, a microprocessor determines if a hand (or other object) is beneath the spout, and if so, activates the pump for pumping the liquid soap. In some cases, multiple pulses are generated and a plurality of reflected pulses are detected for error determination. If the number of deflected pulses is not within a specified number, the system assumes that a sensing error has occurred. The problem with the current systems is that they are not very robust. The strength of the signals that are reflected at times change due to the ambient light and/or the reflecting surfaces surrounding the spout. Thus, it may take more than a few hand swipes beneath the tip of the dispenser spout in order to activate the pump. At other times, the pump may be activated without a hand moving below the tip as for example when there is a change in the ambient light. A typical IR application uses 50 milliamps current and 10 milliseconds duration time for an IR pulse consuming approximately 500 microamp-hours (μAh). Thus, a more robust power saving and detecting system is desired for battery operated devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an exemplary embodiment a fluid dispenser is provided. The dispenser includes a dispensing outlet, a fiber optic cable extending to a location proximate the dispensing outlet, a light source for generating a light pulse, the light pulse traveling through the fiber optic cable to the location, a sensor for sensing light received via the fiber optic cable, a microcontroller coupled to the light source and for generating a voltage in response to the light sensed by the sensor, a comparator for comparing voltages generated by the microcontroller and sending a signal to the microcontroller, and a pump for pumping a fluid to the dispenser outlet in response to a signal received from the microcontroller. In another exemplary embodiment, the fiber optic cable is a single core plastic fiber optic cable. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the light source is an infrared LED. In a further exemplary embodiment, the light pulse has a power in the range of 500 to 1000 milliamps. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, the light pulse has a duration of one microsecond or less. In another exemplary embodiment, the fiber optic cable includes at least one end which is not polished. In a further exemplary embodiment, the dispenser also includes a splitter coupled to the fiber optic cable, the sensor and the light source.

In another exemplary embodiment a fluid dispenser is provided. The dispenser includes a dispensing outlet, a first fiber optic cable extending to a location proximate the dispensing outlet, a second fiber optic cable extending to a location proximate the dispensing outlet, a light source for generating a light pulse, the light pulse traveling through the first fiber optic cable to the location, a sensor for sensing light received via the second fiber optic cable, a microcontroller coupled to the light source and for generating a voltage in response to the light sensed by the sensor, a comparator for comparing voltages generated by the microcontroller and sending a signal to the microcontroller, and a pump for pumping a fluid to the dispenser outlet in response to a signal received from the microcontroller. In yet another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first and second fiber optic cables is a single core plastic fiber optic cable. In a further exemplary embodiment, the light source is an infrared LED. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, the light pulse has a power in the range of 500 to 1000 milliamps. In another exemplary embodiment, the light pulse has a duration of one microsecond or less. In yet another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first and second fiber optic cables includes at least one end which is not polished.

In a further exemplary embodiment a method for automated dispensing of a fluid including is provided. The method includes sensing ambient light at a location proximate an area in which the fluid will be dispensed, generating a reference voltage in response to the sensed ambient light; sending a signal to the area, sensing a reflection of the signal, generating a second voltage in response to the reflection of the signal, and dispensing the fluid if a difference between the second and reference voltages is greater than a predetermined value. In another exemplary embodiment, sensing ambient light is sensing ambient light that travels through a fiber optic cable. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the fiber optic cable is a single core plastic fiber optic cable. In one exemplary embodiment, the fiber optic cable includes at least one end which is not polished. In another exemplary embodiment, sending a signal includes sending the signal though a fiber optic cable. In yet another exemplary embodiment, sending a signal includes sending and infrared (IR) pulse. In a further exemplary embodiment, generating a reference voltage includes generating a reference voltage with a microcontroller and communicating such reference voltage to an operational amplifier. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, generating a second voltage includes generating the second voltage with a microcontroller and communicating the second voltage to the operational amplifier. In another exemplary embodiment, the method further includes determining the difference between the second and reference voltages at the operational amplifier, generating a signal in response to the difference and communicating the signal to the microcontroller. In yet another exemplary embodiment, dispensing the fluid includes sending a signal from the microprocessor to a driver and sending a signal from the driver to a pumping mechanism for pumping the fluid. In a further exemplary embodiment, sending a signal to the area comprises sending a light pulse having a power in the range of 500 to 1000 milliamps. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, sending a signal to the area comprises sending a light pulse having a duration of one microsecond or less. In another exemplary embodiment, sensing ambient light comprises sensing ambient light at time intervals of 0.6 seconds or less.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically depicts an exemplary embodiment fluid dispensing system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 schematically depicts another exemplary embodiment fluid dispensing system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment method of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In an exemplary embodiment, a robust and reliable reflective optical detection system that uses unpolished plastic fiber optics for guiding an IR signal from a remote sensor location is provided. For example, the inventive system may utilize a plastic fiber optic cable whose ends are not polished. An exemplary embodiment system has extremely low power consumption of 1 μAh that uses about 500 times less energy then common IR detection systems while maintaining reliable detection at increased detection distances. Such exemplary embodiment system is ideal for battery operated devices. The exemplary embodiment system may use inexpensive unpolished fiber optic cable(s) and a remote sensor located on a main printed circuit board (PCB) which is insulated from wet environments to prevent damage to sensitive electronics. Low cost of components and assemblies makes it ideal for high volume consumer products. The exemplary system provides for detection and reliable operation at wide environmental condition from complete darkness to full sun light, including wet conditions when fully submerged in water.

In an exemplary embodiment, the invention includes a single-core plastic fiber optic cable 10 that leads from a dispenser spout 12, preferably proximate the tip of the spout, to a splitter 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the fiber optic is unpolished and more specifically the ends of the fiber optic are unpolished. An exemplary splitter is an optical splitter such as mirror or prism or may even be formed by a optical coating. Such coatings are well known in the art. The splitter allows a single cable to be used for both sending a signal and receiving a signal. On an input side 15 of the splitter is attached to a signal source 16, preferably a light source such as an Infra-Red (IR) Source which may be an IR LED. The IR Source in an exemplary embodiment is coupled to a capacitor 18 and to a microcontroller or a microprocessor (collectively or individually referred to herein as “microcontroller” or “MCU”) 20 and which is coupled to an operational amplifier, such as a comparator/amplifier 22 (“OpAmp”). An outlet side 24 of the splitter 14 is coupled to a sensor 26, such as an infrared sensor. An exemplary sensor is an IR Diode or an IR Photo Transistor. The sensor is also coupled to the OpAmp 22. The OpAmp is connected to the MCU 20. The MCU is also connected to a driver 28 which is connected to a pumping system 29, for pumping a fluid such as liquid soap from a reservoir 30 to the dispensing spout outlet 32. A low voltage source 33 (as for example a 6 volt source) is connected to the IR Source 16 and the capacitor 18 through a current limiter 35. In an exemplary embodiment, the current limiter limits the current to the capacitor or the IR Source to 50 milliamps. All or some of the components described herein may be formed or attached to a PCB. In addition, although certain components may have been described as discrete separate components, in some embodiments multiple components may be integrated into a single component.

In operation, the sensor 26 is set to sense ambient light surrounding the spout tip 12 received through the end 36 of the fiber optic cable 10 located at the spout at the predetermined time intervals and communicate such sensing by sending a corresponding signal, such as a voltage signal, to the OpAmp 22. An exemplary predetermined time interval is 0.6 second. The signal is a function of the amount of ambient light sensed. In response, the OpAmp 22 amplifies the signal, if and as necessary, and communicates it to the MCU 20 which generates a reference signal, or reference voltage (the “reference voltage”), in response to the signal which is communicated back to the OpAmp 22. An exemplary interval between the ambient light detection and the generation of the signal (e.g. the time it takes for the generation of the signal) is in an exemplary embodiment 1 to 5 milliseconds depending on the strength of the ambient light. This time interval decreases as the strength of the ambient light increases. Moreover, at daylight or when the lights are on in a room where the dispenser is located, the reference voltage generated may be higher than when it is dark or when the lights are off. A few milliseconds after detecting the ambient light, as for example within 1 to 5 milliseconds, the capacitor 18 discharges and causes the IR Source 16 to generate in an exemplary embodiment, a single high power light pulse of 500 to 1000 milliamps having a duration of less than two microseconds. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the IR Source 16 generates a single high power pulse of 500 to 1000 milliamps having a duration of one microsecond or less. In an exemplary embodiment, the MCU causes the capacitor 18 to discharge upon generation of the reference voltage. The IR light pulse travels from the input side 15 of the splitter 14 through the fiber optic cable 10 and through the tip end 36 of the fiber optic cable. If a reflecting object such as a person's hand is proximate the spout in the field of detection of the fiber optic cable tip end 36, at least a portion of the light pulse would be reflected back from such reflecting object through the fiber optic through the splitter 14 and to the sensor 26. The strength of the reflected light pulse will be detected by the sensor 26 and communicated to the OpAmp. The OpAmp will amplify the detected light pulse, if and as necessary, and communicate it to the MCU. In response the MCU will generate a signal, such as a voltage signal (the “reflected voltage”), and send it back to the OpAmp 22. The generated voltage signal by the MCU is a function of the sensed reflected pulse strength. The OpAmp would compare the reference voltage and the reflected voltage and in response generate a TTL (transistor-transistor logic) signal which is then communicated to the MCU 20. If the difference between the reference voltage and the reflected voltage is greater than a predetermined amount, the OpAmp send a first signal to the MCU. If the difference in voltage between the reference voltage and the reflected voltage is not greater than the predetermined amount, then the OpAmp sends a second signal or not signal to the MCU. If the MCU receives the signal, it then send a signal to the driver 28 to operate the pumping system 29 for pumping the liquid soap (or other fluid) from the reservoir 30 to the dispenser outlet 32. The MCU does not provide a signal to the driver for operating the pumping system when it receives no signal or when it receives the second signal from the OpAmp.

If a user's hand is not in the field of detection of the fiber optic cable to reflect the single pulse, there will not be any reflected signal and the strength of any signal received by the sensor 26 would be that of the ambient light. Consequently, the reflected voltage generated would be same or very close to the initially measured reference voltage. Thus, the difference in the two voltages will be less than the predetermined amount and the OpAmp will generate no signal or the second signal and the MCU would not send a signal to driver 28 to operate the pumping system 29. The process is then repeated as the sensor 26 senses ambient light again within the predetermined time interval.

After the single pulse voltage is sent, the capacitor is recharged from the low voltage source 33 so that it would be ready to send another signal after another ambient light detection has been made by the sensor.

In another exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, instead of an optical splitter and a single fiber optic cable, two single core fiber optic plastic cables 10 a, 10 b may be used. A first fiber optic plastic cable 10 a is used for sending a signal and a second fiber optic plastic cable 10 b is used for receiving a signal. The IR Source 16 is coupled to the first fiber optic cable 10 a through which a signal is sent, while the sensor 26 is coupled to the second fiber optic cable 10 b through which a signals is received.

In summary as shown in FIG. 3, the level of ambient light at a location proximate or at a dispensing end of a dispenser is detected at predetermined time intervals (100). A reference voltage is generated in response to the sensed ambient light (102). A signal such as an IR signal is sent to the location proximate or at the dispensing end of the dispenser (104). A level of a signal (e.g., light or a reflection of the IR signal) emanating at the location within the predetermined time interval is detected (106), a second voltage in response to the detected signal or ambient light (108). If the difference between the reference voltage and the second voltage is greater than a predetermined amount (110), then fluid is dispensed from the dispenser (112). The process is then repeated.

As can be seen with the present invention, a lower cost robust activating system is provided. The system has low power consumption, as it does not need a high powered source for generating pulses as the prior art system. It also does not require high quality polished glass single-core or multi-core fiber optic cable. In fact, the present system works with plastic fiber optic cables that are not polished. Applicant has also discovered that the system can operate robustly even when submerged in water. Furthermore, by accounting for the ambient light present, the system significantly reduces, if not alleviates, all the false activations or the mis-activations associated with prior art dispenser activating systems, which do not account for the ambient light. For example, with the prior art systems, if the ambient light is significant, the reflection may be diluted, and thus, the system may not determine that a user is intending to activate the pumping system.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in respect to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that it is not to be so limited, since changes and modifications may be made therein which are within the full intended scope of this invention as hereinafter claimed. For example, the invention may be practiced in another exemplary embodiment without using a capacitor 18 or with using plastic or glass fiber optic cables whose ends may or may not be polished. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid dispenser comprising: a dispensing outlet; a fiber optic cable extending to a location proximate the dispensing outlet; a light source for generating a light pulse, said light pulse traveling through the fiber optic cable to said location; a sensor for sensing light received via the fiber optic cable; a microcontroller coupled to the light source and for generating a voltage in response to the light sensed by the sensor; a comparator for comparing voltages generated by the microcontroller and sending a signal to the microcontroller; and a pump for pumping a fluid to the dispenser outlet in response to a signal received from said microcontroller.
 2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the fiber optic cable is a single core plastic fiber optic cable.
 3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the light source is an infrared LED.
 4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said light pulse has a power in the range of 500 to 1000 milliamps.
 5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the light pulse has a duration of one microsecond or less.
 6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the light pulse has a duration of one microsecond or less.
 7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the fiber optic cable comprises at least one end which is not polished.
 8. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a splitter coupled to the fiber optic cable, the sensor and the light source
 9. A fluid dispenser comprising: a dispensing outlet; a first fiber optic cable extending to a location proximate the dispensing outlet; a second fiber optic cable extending to a located proximate the dispensing outlet; a light source for generating a light pulse, said light pulse traveling through the first fiber optic cable to said location; a sensor for sensing light received via the second fiber optic cable; a microcontroller coupled to the light source and for generating a voltage in response to the light sensed by the sensor; a comparator for comparing voltages generated by the microcontroller and sending a signal to the microcontroller; and a pump for pumping a fluid to the dispenser outlet in response to a signal received from said microcontroller.
 10. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein at least one of the first and second fiber optic cables is a single core plastic fiber optic cable.
 11. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the light source is an infrared LED.
 12. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein said light pulse has a power in the range of 500 to 1000 milliamps.
 13. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the light pulse has a duration of one microsecond or less.
 14. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the light pulse has a duration of one microsecond or less.
 15. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein at least one of the first and second fiber optic cables comprises at least one end which is not polished.
 16. A method for automated dispensing of a fluid comprising: sensing ambient light at a location proximate an area in which said fluid will be dispensed; generating a reference voltage in response to the sensed ambient light; sending a signal to said area; sensing a reflection of said signal; generating a second voltage in response to said reflection of said signal; and dispensing said fluid if a difference between said second and reference voltages is greater than a predetermined value.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein sensing ambient light is sensing ambient light that travels through a fiber optic cable.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the fiber optic cable is a single core plastic fiber optic cable.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the fiber optic cable comprises at least one end which is not polished.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein sending a signal comprises sending said signal though a fiber optic cable.
 21. The method of claim 16, wherein sending a signal comprises sending and infrared (IR) pulse.
 22. The method of claim 16, wherein generating a reference voltage comprises generating a reference voltage with a microcontroller and communicating such reference voltage to an operational amplifier.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein generating a second voltage comprises generating the second voltage with a microcontroller and communicating said second voltage to the operational amplifier.
 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising determining said difference between said second and reference voltages at the operational amplifier, generating a signal in response to said difference and communicating said signal to the microcontroller.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein dispensing said fluid comprises sending a signal from said microprocessor to a driver and sending a signal from the driver to a pumping mechanism for pumping said fluid.
 26. The method of claim 16, wherein sending a signal to said area comprises sending a light pulse having a power in the range of 500 to 1000 milliamps.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein sending a signal to said area comprises sending a light pulse having a duration of one microsecond or less.
 28. The method of claim 16, wherein sending a signal to said area comprises sending a light pulse having a duration of one microsecond or less.
 29. The method of claim 16, wherein sensing ambient light comprises sensing ambient light at time intervals of 0.6 seconds or less. 